Twelve players came through Final Qualifying at Hankley Common to secure their place in the AIG Women’s Open at Walton Heath later this week.
Wales’ Chloe Williams was the leading qualifier after an impressive five-under-par 67 at the
Surrey venue, helped by an eagle at the par-five 13th.
Williams explained: “I’ve been here a couple of times so I know the golf course and I’m very familiar with it. It was a really, really good day. A couple of breaks went my way, which you need on a day like this as it’s like a shoot-out and anything can happen.
“I just knew I was hitting the ball well and I stayed patient and took my chances. I played in the AIG Women’s Open at Carnoustie in 2021 and hopefully, that experience helps me. There is nothing like having the big grandstands around, it’s amazing.”
The Welsh player finished a stroke ahead of French player Emma Grechi and Gina Kim from the United States of America, who will both make their debuts in the AIG Women’s Open. Irish amateur Anna Foster also progressed in a four-player group at three-under-par.
Grechi said: “The conditions were just ideal, not too hot or cold, no wind and the greens were just perfect speed. I didn’t hole many putts on the front nine and was a bit frustrated, but I just tried to be patient and I did well on the back nine so I’m really happy. I made eagle on the last, a 3-wood to two metres, so that was just a bonus. I’ve not played in a major before so I’m really, really happy. It’s crazy.”
Foster added: “I think it definitely helped going out early, just being able to take advantage of the calm
conditions on the front nine and to make a few birdies. After I made birdie on the last, I finally let myself think about playing in the AIG Women’s Open. It was just like so overwhelming, I can’t believe it’s happened. I look up to people like Leona (Maguire) as what she has done for Irish golf has been unbelievable.”
Late in the day, four players – Mi Hyang Lee, Hayley Davis, Kelsey Bennett and World Amateur Golf Ranking® number one Ingrid Lindblad – came through a 13-way sudden death play-off, after they had all finished at two-under-par.
After darkness fell, the final place was decided on Tuesday morning with amateur Savannah De Bock from Belgium defeating Canada’s Maddie Szeryk for the final spot.
The players to qualify from Hankley Common (par-72) are:
- Chloe Williams, Wales (-5)
- Emma Grechi, France (-4)
- Gina Kim, USA (-4)
- Anna Foster, Ireland (-3) *amateur
- Kylie Henry, Scotland (-3)
- Daniela Darquea, Ecuador (-3)
- Wie-ling Hsu, Chinese Taipei (-3)
- Mi Hyang Lee, Korea (-2)
- Hayley Davis, England (-2)
- Ingrid Lindblad, Sweden (-2) *amateur
- Kelsey Bennett, Australia (-2)
- Savannah De Bock, Belgium (-2) *amateur
The AIG Women’s Open will take place from 9 -13 August 2023 at Walton Heath, with tickets on sale via aigwomensopen.com
The AIG Women’s Open will showcase women in sport, business and entertainment with fans attending this year’s Championship set to enjoy world-class golf, live music entertainment and a new festival fan village designed to generate a fun, vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
